Synthesis of non-ionic amphiphiles from 1,4-anhydroxylitol

ABSTRACT

Amphipathic amine-esters derived from anhydropentitols are prepared through a short sequence of synthetic steps. The process is initiated by the esterification of an anhydropentitol with a fatty acid chloride or a lipase enzyme to form anhydropentitol fatty acid esters, preferably leaving at least one free hydroxyl. The free hydroxyl group(s) are then sulfonated, forming sulfonated anhydropentitol fatty acid esters. The sulfonyl moiety on the sulfonated anhydropentitol fatty acid esters are then subject to nucleophilic displacement by a hydrophilic moiety, illustrated by a primary amine such as AEE or AEEA. The synthetic pathway is efficient and affords modest to high yields of target amphiphilic compounds, which are useful at least as surfactants and plasticizer substitutes for petroleum derived compounds.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No 62/039,091 which was filed on Aug. 19, 2014 and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No 62/093,092 which was filed on Dec. 17, 2014, each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure describes preparation of derivatives from anhydropentitols, which are cyclic triols derived from the dehydrative reduction of pentitols. The derivatives include fatty acid esters, sulfonated tetrahydrofuran fatty acid esters, and amphiphilic compounds having a tetrahydrofuran ring nucleus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The imminent depletion of petroleum reserves, which have served as the abundant, inexpensive source of innumerable specialty and commodity chemicals for over a century, has obliged scientists around the world to implement cutting edge research programs in search for more sustainable surrogates, particularly those derived from biomass. A subset of biomass is a family of universal, divergent, high-energy materials termed carbohydrates or sugars (i.e., hexoses and pentoses), that can readily be transformed into versatile platforms.

Two such precursors are readily made from the acid-catalyzed dehydrations of arabitol (or xylitol) and ribitol, C5 sugar alcohols themselves deriving from naturally abundant arabinose, xylose and ribose. Dehydration of these pentitols with a Bronsted or Lewis acids furnishes dehydratively cyclized products, which are 2,5-anhydropentitols and 1,4-anhydropentitols, collectively termed anhydropentitols shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

Anhydropentitols embody trifunctional substrates, useful as antecedents to a vast array of renewable tetrahydrofuranic analogs that they themselves serve as precursors for further chemical transformations. Furthermore, these materials are potential alternatives for substitutes to the benzene-based aromatic compounds that are entirely reliant on oil reserves for continued production. The emergence of arabitol and ribitol as renewable platforms for a plausible array of industrial materials including detergents, dispersants, plasticizers, surfactants and additives has allowed for innovative endeavors into the synthesis of novel analogs to be explored and tested. Catalytic dehydrative cyclization of C5 sugar alcohols to anhydropentitols has received relatively limited attention as a multifunctional tetrahydrofuran platform to date. Hence, molecular entities derived from such are novel and merit exploration.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present disclosure describes the use of dehydrated pentitols (anhydropentitols) for the preparation of non-ionic amphiphilic compounds that can be employed as plasticizers, surfactants and other useful applications as substitutes for petroleum derived chemicals. In general, was is disclosed herein are 1) fatty acid esters of anhydropentitols; 2) sulfonated derivatives of fatty acid esters of anhydropentitols; and 3) amphiphilic compounds derived from the later, having a tetrahydrofuran ring core containing fatty acid R groups as hydrophobic moieties and a polar group, exemplified by an amine moiety, as the hydrophilic group.

More particularly, an aspect of this disclosure described herein is an esterified anhydropentitol compound selected from the group consisting of:

wherein R is a carbon side chain of a fatty acid. In certain embodiments of the disclosure, the carbon side chain is between 8 and 30 carbons. In further embodiments, the esterified anhydropentitol compound is selected from the group consisting of anhydroxylitol, anhydroarabitol and anhydroribitol.

Another aspect of this disclosure is a method of making a monoester, diester, or triester fatty acid of an anhydropentitol comprising contacting an anhydropentitol compound with a fatty acid in the presence of a lipase enzyme. In certain embodiments, the lipase enzyme is selected from the group consisting of Novozyme 435 (an immobilized Candida antarctica lipase B with a permanently open active site), Lipozyme RM IM (a Muchor miehei lipase immobilized with an active site covered by a moveable lid), Lipozyme TM IM (a Thermomyces lanuginosis lipase on porous silica with an active site covered by moveable lid), Lipex 100L (a Thermomyces lanuginosis mutant lipase with enhanced lipid surface absorption with an a active site covered by moveable lid and detergent stable), Palatase 20000 L (a Mucor miehei lipase with an active site covered by a moveable lid), Novozym CALB L (a Candida Articans lipase B with a permanently open active site), Lipozyme TL100 L (a Thermomyces lanuginosis lipase with an active site covered by moveable lid). In exemplary embodiments, the lipase enzyme is Candida Antarctica B lipase. In particular embodiments, the contacting with the lipase enzyme is done under vacuum pressure of from about 0.1 torr to about 100 torr, more specifically about 5 torr. In further embodiments, the contacting with the lipase enzyme is done at a temperature of from about 40° C. to about 100° C., more specifically at about 70° C.

Another aspect of this disclosure is a method of making a monoester, diester, or triester fatty acid of an anhydropentitol comprising contacting an anhydropentitol compound with a fatty acid chloride in the presence of a nucleophilic base. In certain embodiments, the nucleophilic base is selected from the group consisting of pyridine, dimethylaminopyridine, imidazole and pyrazole. In further embodiments, the contacting of the anhydropentitol compound with a fatty acid chloride is done at a temperature of from about 0° C. to about 50° C., more specifically at about 25° C.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts the dehydrative cyclization of arabitol to 1,4-anhydroarabitol and 2,5-anhydroarabitol as an exemplary anhydropentitol used in the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts the dehydrative cyclization of ribitol to 1,4-anhydroribitol as another exemplary anhydropentitol used in the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts chemical acylation of one to three-of the OH moieties of 1,4-anyhydroribitol using C₈-C₃₀ fatty acid chlorides in the presence of a nucleophilic base according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 depicts enzymatic acylation of one to three —OH moieties of 1,4-anyhydroxylitol with the enzyme lipase using C₈-C₃₀ fatty acids as substrates according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 depicts sulfonation of the vestigial —OH moieties of 1,4-anhydroribitol mono and di-esters with a sulfonating agent to make monoester-disulfonates and diester-monosulfonates according to another aspect of the invention.

FIG. 6 depicts sulfonated 1,4-anhydropentitol esters undergoing nucleophilic displacement reactions with a hydrophilic amino reactant in an inert polar solvent, producing non-ionic amphiphilic compounds from the anhydropentitol esters according to a further aspect of the invention

FIG. 7 depicts the preparation of amphiphilic anhydropentitol ester compounds using aminoethoxyethanol (AEE) as the primary amine to displace the sulfonate moiety of a triflated sulfonate diester of the anhydropentitol according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 depicts the synthesis of triflate sulfonate anhydropentitol diesters from anhydropentitol esters according to another aspect of the invention.

FIG. 9 depicts the preparation of amphiphilic anhydropentitol ester compounds using aminoetthyl aminoethanol (AEEA) as the primary amine to displace the sulfonate moiety of a triflate sulfonate ester of the anhydropentitol according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 depicts exemplary structures for AEE derived anhydropentitol amphiphilic compounds made according to one particular embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 depicts exemplary structures for AEEA derived anhydropentitol amphiphilic compounds according to another particular embodiment of the invention.

DEFINITIONS

In order to provide clear and consistent understanding of the specification and claims, including the scope to be given such terms, the following definitions are provided. It is also to be noted that the term “a” and “an” entity, refers to one or more or that entity; for example “a mild reducing agent,” is understood to represent one or more mild reducing agents.

About. In the present application, including the claims, other than in the operating examples or where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities or characteristics are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, any numerical parameters set forth in the following description may vary depending on the desired properties one seeks to obtain in the compositions and methods according to the present disclosure. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter described in the present description should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

Ambient temperature. As used herein, the term ambient temperature refers to the temperature of the surroundings and will be the same as room temperature indoors.

Amphiphile. As used herein, the term amphiphile or the adjective amphiphilic refers to a chemical compound possessing both hydrophilic (water-loving, polar) and lipophilic (fat-loving) properties. Such a compound is called amphiphilic or amphipathic.

Hydrophilic. As used herein, the term hydrophilic refers to a compound having a tendency to mix with, dissolve in, or be wetted by water.

Overnight. As used herein, the term overnight refers to a time frame of between 10 and 20 hours, typically about 16 hours.

Neat. As used herein, the term neat refers to the absence of a solvent in a reaction.

Room temperature. As used herein, the term room temperature refers to a temperature that is between 20° C. and 26° C., with an average of about 23° C.

PTFE. As used herein refers to Polytetrafluoroethylene.

AEEA. As used herein refers to 2-((2-aminoethyl)amino)ethanol.

AEE. As used herein refers to 2-(2-aminoethoxy)ethanol.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Derived primarily from xylitol, arabitol and ribitol, the corresponding dehydrated anhydropentitols embody versatile yet relatively unexplored tetrahydrofuran structures for derivitization due to their relative commercial unattainability. As a reagent, these molecular entities are attractive because of their inherent hydroxyl trifunctionality, a unique trait for rare tetrahydrofuran substances, which enables multi-faceted, target orientated synthetic approaches to be fostered for the generation of manifold materials with favorable chemical properties, such as polymer subunits, plasticizers, lubricants, dispersants, emulsifiers, adhesives coatings, resins, humectants and surfactants.

The anhydropentitols used according to the present disclosure may be readily obtained by dehydrative cyclization of their corresponding pentitols. The pentitols themselves are readily obtained by hydrogenation of the corresponding pentose sugars xylose, arabinose, or ribose. The dehydrative cyclization can be effectuated by contacting the pentitol with a Bronsted acid such as HCl or sulfuric acid as is conventionally known in the art. Alternatively, the dehydrative cyclization can be effectuated by contacting the pentitol with a water soluble Lewis Acid exemplified by metal triflates as described in co-pending U.S. Provisional Appl. No. 62/205340, filed Aug. 14, 2015 which is incorporated herein by reference for the purpose of enabling synthesis of the anhydropentitol as an alternative to the Bronsted acid method.

The present disclosure describes, in part, a highly efficient, three-step preparation of anhydropentitol based amphiphilic compounds. In the first step, one to three of the available hydroxyl groups of the anhydropentitol are esterified with a fatty acid to form mono-, di- and triesters of the anhydropentitol. In the second step, the remaining free hydroxyl or hydroxyl groups of the anhydropentitol fatty acid monoester and diesters are sulfonated with a sulfonating agent to form mono- and disulfonated anhydropentitol esters. Finally, in the third step, the sulfonate moiety or moieties on the mono- and disulfonated anhydropentitol esters are displaced by a primary amine compound having sufficient polarity to form an amphiphilic tetrahydrofuran compound in conjunction with the hydrophobic R group of the fatty acid. Each step in the process is believed to be novel, and each of the compounds made by these steps are believed to be novel compounds. Accordingly, the present disclosure has multiple aspects and multiple embodiments that will be understood from the description and figures that follow.

The first step of acylation can occur in two embodiments. According to one embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, the process involves acylation of one to three of —OH moieties on the anhydropentitol by contacting a desired fatty acid halide compound containing 8-30 carbons at a certain temperature, with the anhydropentitol compound in presence of a nucleophilic base for a time sufficient to form at least a mono- or di fatty acid ester of the anhydropentitol as depicted in FIG. 3. Fatty acid chloride compounds are the exemplary fatty acid halide. Some tetrahydrofuran triesters are also formed, but while such tetrahydrofuran fatty acid triesters have value in certain applications, they are not useful for subsequent derivitizations to form amphiphilic compounds according to further aspects of this disclosure.

Alcohol acylation can be effectuated by several carboxylic species, such as, but not limited to alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, allyl and aryl carboxylic acids. Acid chlorides were chosen specifically in this disclosure for demonstrative purposes. Other halogenated fatty acid species will also work well. Acid chloride acylation can result in copacetic yields of corresponding pentitol mono-, di-, and tri esters as manifest in the forthcoming examples.

The process is able to produce anhydropentitol esters in reasonably high molar yields of at least 95%, typically about 50% or 55% or 60-65% or 70%. The acylation reaction is usually conducted at ambient temperature, typically being within a temperature range of 0-50° C., most typically 10 -40° C., preferably 20 to 30° C., and most typically at about 25° C.

A nucleophilic base is deployed to expedite the substitution-elimination-deprotonation process. Suitable nucleophilic bases that furnish high yields, include, but are not limited to dimethylaminopyridine, imidazole, and pyrazole, but preferably pyridine, owing to its facility of removal. The reaction is conducted in an inert organic solvent with a high vapor pressure, such as chloroform, tetrahydrofuran, acetone, benzene, or diethyl ether, but is exemplified herein preferably using methylene chloride.

In an alternative embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, acylation of the anhydropentitol can be effectuated by use of a fatty acid and a lipase. In this embodiment, the anhydropentitol is contacted with a fatty acid reactant containing 8-30 carbons, for a time sufficient to form at least the monoester or diester compounds portrayed in FIG. 4. Surprisingly, this reaction may be conducted neat without the present of any solvent other than the reactants, although optionally water may be added.

Though alcohol acylation can be effectuated by any lipase enzyme, the methods disclosed herein are exemplified with one lipase commonly available in large quantities for industrial scale processes, which is “B Lipase” from Candida Antarctica (CAB) that was deployed in this disclosure as merely exemplary of the reaction that can be carried out with any lipase available to one of ordinary skill in the art. Other examples of lipase enzymes that could be used in this reaction include, but is not limited to Novozyme 435 (an immobilized Candida antarctica lipase B with a permanently open active site), Lipozyme RM IM (a Muchor miehei lipase immobilized with an active site covered by a moveable lid), Lipozyme TM IM (a Thermomyces lanuginosis lipase on porous silica with an active site covered by moveable lid), Lipex 100L (a Thermomyces lanuginosis mutant lipase with enhanced lipid surface absorption with an a active site covered by moveable lid and detergent stable), Palatase 20000 L (a Mucor miehei lipase with an active site covered by a moveable lid), Novozyme CALB L (a Candida Articans lipase B with a permanently open active site), Lipozyme TL100 L (a Thermomyces lanuginosis lipase with an active site covered by moveable lid).

The enzymatic conversion may be accomplished using an immobilized lipase enzyme as a heterogeneous catalyst as exemplified herein, or in solution where the enzyme is functioning as a homogenous catalyst. Use of the immobilized enzyme is preferred for purification and reusability purposes. A temperature should be selected that is optimal for the lipase of choice. The temperature is usually between 37° C. and 100° C., most typically between 50° C. and 75° C., and in exemplary embodiments was 60° or 70° C. Advantageously, the enzymatic acylations may be conducted under vacuum pressure. In typical embodiments the vacuum pressure is from about 0.1 torr to about 100 torr, and in exemplary embodiments was about 5 torr.

In either embodiment of acylation, the amount of the free fatty acid (or fatty acid chloride) should be selected to drive formation primarily of the mono-, di- or triester derivatives as desired. Accordingly the molar amount of the fatty acid should be at least equal to the molar amount of the anhydropentitol to form the monoester, two to three times the molar amount to form the diester, and at least three times the amount to form the triester derivative. Time may be varied to prefer the mono esters, diesters or triester derivatives, with shorter time favoring formation of the mono esters and longer times favoring formation of the di- and triesters. For economic reasons, the time may be selected to convert most of the free fatty acid into the esters of the anhydropentitols. In one exemplary embodiment of enzymatic acylation where the temperature was 60° C. using a molar ratio of about 8:3 fatty acid to anhydropentitol, the reaction was conducted for 4.5 hours and consumed 99.5% of the free fatty acid forming the mono-, di- and triester derivatives at a ratio of about 6:4:2.5, respectively.

While not necessary, if desired, the mono-, di- and triesters may be conveniently separated from one another by chromatography over silica gel prior to being subjected to further derivitizations. Alternatively, the mixed ester product may be further sulfonated as described hereafter and separated over silica gel, or further sulfonated and substituted with a primary amine also as further described herein, and the products separated by chromatography over an alumina resin.

In the second step of further derivation, the remaining unreacted —OH moieties of the anhydropentitol mono and di-esters are sulfonated with a sulfonating agent as depicted in FIG. 5 where “Z” refers to a sulfonyl moiety and in FIG. 8 where “OTf” represents one particular type of sulfonyl moiety that is a triflate as defined below. Although illustrated with triflate, any sulfonating agents capable of sulfonating an —OH moiety with a sulfonyl moiety may be used. In typical embodiments the sulfonating agent is selected from the group consisting of p-toluenesulfonyl (tosyl), methanesulfonyl, (mesyl), ethanesulfonate (esyl), benzenesulfonate (besyl), p-bromobenzenesulfonate (brosyl), and triflouromethanesulfonic anhydride (triflate).

For illustrative proof of concept in the present disclosure, the sulfonating agent was trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride, also simply referred to herein as “triflate”. The sulfonation reaction with triflate is typically conducted at temperatures between −20° C. and room temperature, more typically between −10° C. and 10° C., and in exemplary embodiments was at about 0° C. The sulfonation is done in the presence of a suitable organic solvent such as for example chloroform, tetrahydrofuran, acetone, benzene, diethyl ether, and methylene chloride. In most exemplary embodiments, the solvent was methylene chloride.

The reaction may be catalyzed by a suitable nucleophilic base to furnish high yields, such as dimethylaminopyridine, imidazole, and pyrazole, but preferably pyridine, owing to its facility of removal. The amount of the sulfonating agent should be in at least an equal molar amount to the amount of anhydropentitol mono and di-esters. In typical embodiments the amount of sulfonating agent is present in about a 2 to three fold molar excess over the amount of anhydropentitol mono and di-esters. The reaction with triflate is relatively quick, exemplary reaction times are in the range of 5 minutes to one hour, with typical reactions being completed in 10 to 45 minutes, most typically within 15-30 minutes. Under such conditions and times the molar yield of anhydropentitol triflate esters is quantitative or near so.

The third step is formation of an amphiphilic tetrahydrofuran compound by substituting the sulfonyl moiety of the sulfonated anhydropentitol mono and di-esters with a hydrophilic amino substituent as depicted in FIG. 6, where “X” refers to a primary amine compound having sufficient polarity so that in conjunction with the R group of the fatty acid, the final tetrahydrofuran derivative compound is amphiphilic. More specifically “X” is an organic substituent having sufficient hydrogen bonding capacity to make the corresponding compound that it is attached to amphiphilic. “X” can designate pendant groups containing a sufficient number of electronegative atoms that effectively polarize the group, thus enabling dipole-dipole interactions (hydrogen bonding) and/or ion dipole interactions to occur with an aqueous matrix (hydrophilicity). Typical, but not limiting examples of such electronegative atoms are oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur and may be found in alcohols, acids, phosphates, sulfoxides and the like. Because, the R group contains a shortage of electronegative atoms and at least 8 carbons, R is “hydrophobic” in nature so the resulting amino substituted compound is amphiphilic.

In exemplary embodiments the primary amine compound was AEEA (NH₂CH₂CH₂O— or NH₂CH₂CH₂NH—). FIG. 7 generally illustrates a reaction with AEE to form AEE/fatty acid amphiphilic tetrahydrofuran derivatives, while FIG. 10 shows one such particular set of derivatives. FIG. 9 generally illustrates a reaction with AEEA to form AEEA/fatty acid amphiphilic tetrahydrofuran derivatives, while FIG. 11 shows one such particular set of derivatives.

The nucleophilic substitution with the primary amine compound is conducted in an inert, polar solvent, preferably with a dielectric constant (ε_(r)>20). Examples of such solvents include, but are not limited to dimethylsulfoxide, dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, N-methylpyrrolidone, acetonitrile, methanol, ethanol, and acetone. The molar amount of the primary amine compound should be at least equal to the molar amount of the sulfonated anhydropentitol esters in the reaction. Typically the primary amine compound is present in 1-3 fold molar excess, and in exemplary embodiments was about 1.25 to 2 fold molar excess. The reaction temperature is between 30° C. and 100° C., typically 40° C. and 80° C., preferably at about 50° C. The reaction times will vary depending on concentration of reactants and temperature. In most exemplary embodiments the reactions are performed overnight (i.e., for 12-24 hours) at 50° C. The molar yields of amphipathic anhydropentitol esters (i.e., tetrahydrofuran amphiphilic compounds) is greater than about 50%, typically 55-95%, and preferably greater than 85%.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are furnished as demonstrative of the diverse aspects of the present disclosure, with the recognition that altering parameters and conditions, for example by change of temperature, time and reagent amounts, and particular starting species and catalysts and amounts thereof, can affect and extend the full practice of the invention beyond the limits of the examples presented.

The following examples use certain particular anhydropentitols as staring materials, certain particular fatty acids, certain particular solvents, catalysts and conditions. These particular reactants and conditions were used for reasons of facility as illustrative of the broader classes of reactants and conditions that one of ordinary skill in the art can readily select to achieve similar or superior results in certain particular instances. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not to be limited to the exemplary embodiments that follow.

Example 1 Preparation of 2,5-anhydroarabitol Mono, Di, and Tri Oleates

Experimental: A flame dried, single neck, 50 mL round bottomed flask equipped with a PTFE coated magnetic stir bar was charged with 1 g of 2,5-anhydroarabitol (7.46 mmol), 3.37 g of oleoyl chloride (11.12 mmol), 5 mL of pyridine, and 20 mL of methylene chloride. The reaction was stirred at room temperature overnight. After this time, excess solvent was removed via rotary evaporation (50° C., 25 torr) and the dark brown residue taken up in a minimum volume of methylene chloride. The mixture was then charged to a pre-fabricated silica gel column, where three separate fractions were collected deploying a methylene chloride/methanol gradient. The first fraction manifested an R_(f)=0.92 (10:1 hexane/methanol), and furnished a viscous oil after drying. ¹H and ¹³C NMR confirmed the identity as 2,5-anhydroarabitol trioleate. The second fraction manifested an R_(f)=0.61 (10:1 hexane/methanol), furnishing a pale yellow viscous oil after drying. ¹H and ¹³C NMR validated the identities as 2,5-anhydroarabitol dioleates. The third fraction evinced an Rf=0.32 (10:1 hexane/methanol), affording a colorless, viscous oil. ¹H and ¹³C NMR validated the identities as 2,5-anhydroarabitol monooleates.

Example 2 Synthesis of Triflated 2,5-Anhydroarabitol Monooleates

Experimental: A flame dried, single neck, 25 mL round bottomed flask equipped with a PTFE coated magnetic stir bar was charged with 500 mg of 2,5-anhydroarabitol monooleates (1.25 mmol), 404 uL of pyridine (5.02 mmol), and 10 mL of anhydrous methylene chloride. The flask stoppered with a rubber septum and then immersed in a saturated brine/ice bath (˜−10° C.). While vigorously stirring, 463 uL of triflic anhydride (2.75 mmol) was added drop wise over a period of 20 min. After addition, the saline bath was removed and reaction continued overnight. The next morning a light yellow solution was observed; excess solvent and pyridine was removed under reduced pressure, and the dark yellow residue taken up in a minimum amount of chloroform, which was then charged to a prefabricated silica gel column that employed a hexanes/ethyl acetate gradient. The triflated title compounds eluted at a 5:1 hexanes/ethyl acetate proportion, furnishing 680 mg of viscous, light yellow oil after inspissation (82% of theoretical). ¹H and ¹³C NMR validated the identity as the title compounds.

Example 3 Synthesis of AEEA-Derivitized 2,5-Anhydroarabitol Monooleates

Experimental: An oven dried, 25 mL round bottomed flask equipped with a PTFE coated magnetic stir bar was charged with 500 mg of triflated 2,5-anhydroarabitol monooleates (0.754 mmol), 168 uL of 2-((2-aminoethyl)amino)ethanol (AEEA, 1.66 mmol), and 10 mL of absolute ethanol. A reflux condenser was affixed to the neck, and, while vigorously stirring, the mixture was heated to 50° C. overnight. After this time, TLC (neutral alumina, isocratic ethanol eluent) indicated that all of the starting triflate had been consumed, manifesting a single product with an R_(f)=0.23. The solution was then cooled to room temperature, then poured directly onto a prefabricated Brockmann I activated, neutral alumina column where the AEEA targets were observed to elute using an isocratic ethanol mobile phase. After drying under high vacuum for period of 7 days, 281 mg of the AEEA derivitized monooleates were retained as a light yellow semisolid (64% of theoretical). ¹H and ¹³C NMR verified the identity as the title compounds.

Example 4 Synthesis of AEE Derivitized 2,5-Anhydroarabitol Monooleates

Experimental: An oven dried, 25 mL round bottomed flask equipped with a PTFE coated magnetic stir bar was charged with 500 mg of triflated 2,5-anhhydroarabitol monooleates (0.754 mmol), 166 uL 2-(2-aminoethoxy)ethanol (AEE, 1.66 mmol), and 10 mL of absolute ethanol. A reflux condenser was affixed to the neck, and, while vigorously stirring, the mixture was heated to 50° C. overnight. After this time, TLC (neutral alumina, isocratic ethanol eluent) indicated that all of starting triflate had been consumed, manifesting a single product with an R_(f)=0.17. The solution was then cooled to room temperature, then poured directly onto a prefabricated Brockmann I activated, neutral alumina column where the AEE targets were observed to elute using an isocratic ethanol mobile phase. After drying under high vacuum for period of 7 days, 306 mg of the AEE derivitized 1,4-anhydropentitol monooleates were retained as a beige semisolid (71% of theoretical). ¹H and ¹³C NMR verified the identity as the title compounds.

Example 5 Synthesis of Triflated 2,5-Anhydroarabitol Dioleates

Experimental: A flame dried, single neck, 10 mL round bottomed flask equipped with a PTFE coated magnetic stir bar was charged with 500 mg of 2,5-anhydroarabitol dioleates (0.754 mmol), 91 uL of pyridine (1.13 mmol), and 5 mL of anhydrous methylene chloride. The flask stoppered with a rubber septum and then immersed in a saturated brine/ice bath (˜−10° C.). While vigorously stirring, 152 uL of triflic anhydride (0.904 mmol) was added drop wise over a period of 30 min. After addition, the saline bath was removed and reaction continued overnight. The next morning a light yellow solution was observed; excess solvent and pyridine was removed under reduced pressure, and the dark yellow residue taken up in a minimum amount of chloroform, which was then charged to a prefabricated silica gel column that employed a hexanes/ethyl acetate gradient. The triflated title compounds eluted at a 8:1 hexanes/ethyl acetate proportion, furnishing 5503 mg of light yellow wax after inspissation (83% of theoretical). ¹H and ¹³C NMR confirmed the identity of the title compound.

Example 6 Synthesis of AEEA Derivitized 2,5-Anhydroarabitol Dioleates

Experimental: An oven dried, 25 mL round bottomed flask equipped with a PTFE coated magnetic stir bar was charged with 500 mg of triflated 2,5-anhydroarabitol dioleates (0.629 mmol), 76 uL of 2-((2-aminoethyl)amino)ethanol (AEEA, 0.755 mmol), and 10 mL of absolute ethanol. A reflux condenser was affixed to the neck, and, while vigorously stirring, the mixture was heated to 50° C. overnight. After this time, TLC (neutral alumina, isocratic ethanol eluent) indicated that all of the starting triflate had been consumed, manifesting a single product with an R_(f)=0.38. The solution was then cooled to room temperature, then poured directly onto a prefabricated Brockmann I activated, neutral alumina column where the AEEA targets were observed to elute using an isocratic ethanol mobile phase. After drying under high vacuum for period of 7 days, 307 mg of the AEEA derivitized 1,4-anhydropentitol dioleates were retained as a pale yellow semisolid (71% of theoretical).

Example 7 Synthesis of AEE Derivitized 2,5-Anhydroarabitol Dioleates

Experimental: An oven dried, 10 mL round bottomed flask equipped with a PTFE coated magnetic stir bar was charged with 500 mg of 500 mg of triflated 2,5-anhydroarabitol dioleates (0.629 mmol), 76 uL of 2-(2-aminoethoxy)ethanol (0.755 mmol), and 5 mL of absolute ethanol. A reflux condenser was affixed to the neck, and, while vigorously stirring, the mixture was heated to 50° C. overnight. After this time, TLC (neutral alumina, isocratic ethanol eluent) indicated that all of the starting triflate had been consumed, manifesting a single product with an R_(f)=0.67. The solution was then cooled to room temperature, then poured directly onto a prefabricated Brockmann I activated, neutral alumina column where the AEE title compound was observed to elute using an isocratic ethanol mobile phase. After drying under high vacuum for period of 7 days, 634 mg of B was retained as pale yellow wax (71% of theoretical). ¹H and ¹³C NMR verified the structures of the target esters.

Example 8 Preparation of 1,4-Anhydroribitol Palmitates

Experimental: A flame dried, single neck, 25 mL round bottomed flask equipped with a PTFE coated magnetic stir bar was charged with 1,4-anhydroribitol, palmitoyl chloride, pyridine, and methylene chloride.

Example 9 Synthesis of Triflated 1,4-Anhydroribitol Monopalmitates

Experimental: A flame dried, single neck, 25 mL round bottomed flask equipped with a PTFE coated magnetic stir bar was charged with 500 mg of 1,4-anhydroribitol monopalmitates (1.34 mmol), 432 uL of pyridine (5.37 mmol), and 10 mL of anhydrous methylene chloride. The flask stoppered with a rubber septum and then immersed in a saturated brine/ice bath (˜−10° C.). While vigorously stirring, 496 uL of triflic anhydride (2.95 mmol) was added drop wise over a period of 15 min. After addition, the saline bath was removed and reaction continued overnight. The next morning a light yellow solution was observed; excess solvent and pyridine was removed under reduced pressure, and the dark yellow residue taken up in a minimum amount of chloroform, which was then charged to a prefabricated silica gel column that employed a hexanes/ethyl acetate gradient. The triflated title compounds eluted at a 6:1 hexanes/ethyl acetate proportion, furnishing 698 mg of viscous, off-white oil after inspissation (81% of theoretical). ¹H and ¹³C NMR verified the structures of the target triflates.

Example 10 Synthesis of AEEA Derivitized 1,4-Anhydroribitol Monopalmitates

Experimental: An oven dried, 25 mL round bottomed flask equipped with a PTFE coated magnetic stir bar was charged with 500 mg of triflated 1,4-anhydroribitol monopalmitates (0.785 mmol), 95 uL of 2-((2-aminoethyl)amino)ethanol (AEEA, 0.942 mmol), and 10 mL of absolute ethanol. A reflux condenser was affixed to the neck, and, while vigorously stirring, the mixture was heated to 50° C. overnight. After this time, TLC (neutral alumina, isocratic ethanol eluent) indicated that all of the starting triflate had been consumed, manifesting a single product with an R_(f)=0.18. The solution was then cooled to room temperature, then poured directly onto a prefabricated Brockmann I activated, neutral alumina column where the AEEA targets were observed to elute using an isocratic ethanol mobile phase. After drying under high vacuum for period of 7 days, 276 mg of the AEEA derivitized monopalmitates were retained as an off-white semi solid (64% of theoretical). ¹H and ¹³C NMR verified the structures of the target amphiphiles.

Example 11 Synthesis of AEE Derivitized 1,4-Anhydroribitol Monopalmitates

Experimental: An oven dried, 25 mL round bottomed flask equipped with a PTFE coated magnetic stir bar was charged with 500 mg of triflated 1,4-anhydroribitol monopalmitates (0.785 mmol), 94.5 uL of 2-(2-aminoethoxy)ethanol (AEE, 0.942 mmol), and 10 mL of absolute ethanol. A reflux condenser was affixed to the neck, and, while vigorously stirring, the mixture was heated to 50° C. overnight. After this time, TLC (neutral alumina, isocratic ethanol eluent) indicated that all of the starting triflate had been consumed, manifesting a single product with an R_(f)=0.17. The solution was then cooled to room temperature, then poured directly onto a prefabricated Brockmann I activated, neutral alumina column where the AEE targets were observed to elute using an isocratic ethanol mobile phase. After drying under high vacuum for period of 7 days, 301 mg of the AEE derivitized monopalmitate was retained as an off-white semi solid (71% of theoretical). ¹H and ¹³C NMR verified the structures of the target esters.

Example 12 Synthesis of Triflated 1,4-Anhydroribitol Dipalmitates

Experimental: A flame dried, single neck, 10 mL round bottomed flask equipped with a PTFE coated magnetic stir bar was charged with 500 mg of 1,4-anhydroribitol dipalmitates 0.818 mmol), 99 uL of pyridine (1.22 mmol), and 5 mL of anhydrous methylene chloride. The flask stoppered with a rubber septum and then immersed in a saturated brine/ice bath (˜−10° C.). While vigorously stirring, 151 uL of triflic anhydride (0.900 mmol) was added dropwise over a period of 15 min. After addition, the saline bath was removed and reaction continued overnight. The next morning a light yellow solution was observed; excess solvent and pyridine was removed under reduced pressure, and the dark yellow residue taken up in a minimum amount of chloroform, which was then charged to a prefabricated silica gel column that employed a hexanes/ethyl acetate gradient. The triflated title compounds eluted at a 9:1 hexanes/ethyl acetate proportion, furnishing 539 mg of cream colored wax after inspissation (89% of theoretical). ¹H and ¹³C NMR verified the structures of the target triflates.

Example 13 Synthesis of AEEA Derivitized 1,4-Anhydroribitol Dipalmitates

Experimental: An oven dried, 25 mL round bottomed flask equipped with a PTFE coated magnetic stir bar was charged with 500 mg of triflated 1,4-anhydropentitol dipalmitates (0.673 mmol), 82 uL of 2-((2-aminoethyl)amino)ethanol (AEEA, 0.808 mmol), and 10 mL of absolute ethanol. A reflux condenser was affixed to the neck, and, while vigorously stirring, the mixture was heated to 50° C. overnight. After this time, TLC (neutral alumina, isocratic ethanol eluent) indicated that all of the starting triflate had been consumed, manifesting a single product with an R_(f)=0.36. The solution was then cooled to room temperature, then poured directly onto a prefabricated Brockmann I activated, neutral alumina column where the AEEA targets were observed to elute using an isocratic ethanol mobile phase. After drying under high vacuum for period of 7 days, 303 mg of the AEEA derivitized 1,4-anhydropentitol dipalmitates were retained as a cream colored semisolid (64% of theoretical). ¹H and ¹³C NMR verified the structures of the target amphiphiles.

Example 14 Synthesis of AEE Deritivized 1,4-Anhydroribitol Dipalmitates

Experimental: An oven dried, 25 mL round bottomed flask equipped with a PTFE coated magnetic stir bar was charged with 500 mg of triflated 1,4-anhydropentitol dipalmitates (0.673 mmol), 81 uL of 2-(2-aminoethoxy) ethanol (AEE, 0.808 mmol), and 10 mL of absolute ethanol. A reflux condenser was affixed to the neck, and, while vigorously stirring, the mixture was heated to 50° C. overnight. After this time, TLC (neutral alumina, isocratic ethanol eluent) indicated that all of the starting triflate had been consumed, manifesting a single product with an R_(f)=0.34. The solution was then cooled to room temp., then poured directly onto a prefabricated Brockmann I activated, neutral alumina column where the AEEA targets were observed to elute using an isocratic ethanol mobile phase. After drying under high vacuum for period of 7 days, 342 mg of the AEE derivitized 1,4-anhydropentitol dipalmitates were retained as a beige semisolid (73% of theoretical). ¹H and ¹³C NMR verified the structures of the target esters.

Example 15 Preparation of 1,4-Anhydroxylitol Mono, Di, and Tri Oleates

A sample of 1,4-anhydroxylitol was obtained from Industrial Chemicals group of ADM Research. Technical-grade oleic acid was purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (St. Louis, Mo). Lipozyme 435 (granular immobilized lipase enzyme from Candida Antarctica B Lipase) was obtained from Novozymes (Pagsvaerd, Denmark). A reaction mixture was comprised of 75.2 g (0.8 mol) of oleic acid, 12 g of enzyme, and 44.7 g (0.29 mol) anhydroxylitol. The mixture was heated to 60 ° C. under vacuum at 5 torr and agitated at 400 rpm. The reaction achieved 0.5% residual free fatty acid after 4.5 hr. A sample of the mixture was taken at 4.5 hr and analyzed on a TLC plate. A Whatman Partisil K6, 5×10 cm, silica gel 60 A TLC plate with a thickness of 250 μm was used. A 1:1 mixture of hexane/ethyl ether was used to develop the TLC plate. The developed TLC plate was sprayed with 5% sulfuric acid in methanol and then placed in a 110° C. oven for darkening of spots on the plate. TLC analysis of the reaction mixture showed that the reaction was completed with almost all oleic acid disappeared. Mono-ester and di-esters were visible on the TLC plate with a minor amount of un-reacted xylitol also present. The reaction mixture was filtered over a Whatman #40 filter paper to remove the enzyme to recover the ester mixture.

Silica gel flash chromatography (gradient hexanes/ethyl acetate/methanol) was used for mixed ester separation. A pre-fabricated column was charged with 20 g of the 1,4-anhydroxylitol oleate mixture. Each component eluted at the following eluent proportions: a) 1,4-anhydroxylitol trioleate (2.55 g) at 3:1 hexanes/ethyl acetate; b) 1,4-anhydroxylitol dioleate (4.01 g) at 100% ethyl acetate; 1,4-anhydroxylitol monooleate (5.98 g) at 9:1 ethyl acetate/methanol.

Example 16 Synthesis of Triflated 1,4-Anhydroxylitol Monooleates

A flame dried, single neck, 25 mL round bottomed flask equipped with a PTFE coated magnetic stir bar was charged with 500 mg of 1,4-anhydroxylitol monooleates (1.25 mmol), 404 uL of pyridine (5.02 mmol), and 10 mL of anhydrous methylene chloride. The flask stoppered with a rubber septum and then immersed in a saturated brine/ice bath (˜−10° C.). While vigorously stirring, 463 uL of triflic anhydride (2.75 mmol) was added drop wise over a period of 15 min. After addition, the saline bath was removed and reaction continued overnight. The next morning a light yellow solution was observed; excess solvent and pyridine was removed under reduced pressure, and the dark yellow residue taken up in a minimum amount of chloroform, which was then charged to a prefabricated silica gel column that employed a hexanes/ethyl acetate gradient. The triflated title compounds eluted at a 5:1 hexanes/ethyl acetate proportion, furnishing 702 mg of viscous, light yellow oil (84% yield). Elemental analysis: Expected for C25H40F6O9S2-C, 45.31%; H, 6.08%. Found —C, 45.23%; H, 5.99%.

Example 17 Synthesis of AEEA Derivitized 1,4-Anhydroxylitol Monooleates

An oven dried, 25 mL round bottomed flask equipped with a PTFE coated magnetic stir bar was charged with 500 mg of triflated 1,4-anhydroxylitol monooleates (0.754 mmol), 168 uL of 2-((2-aminoethyl)amino)ethanol (AEEA, 1.66 mmol), and 10 mL of absolute ethanol. A reflux condenser was affixed to the neck and while vigorously stirring the mixture was heated to 50° C. overnight. After this time, TLC (neutral alumina, isocratic ethanol eluent) indicated that all of the starting triflate had been consumed, manifesting a single product with an Rf=0.15. The solution was cooled to room temperature then poured directly onto a prefabricated Brockmann I activated, neutral alumina column where the AEEA targets were observed to elute using an isocratic ethanol mobile phase. After drying under high vacuum for period of 7 days, 307 mg of the AEEA derivitized monooleates were retained as a light yellow semisolid (71% yield). Elemental analysis: Expected for C31H62N4O5 —C, 65.22%; H, 10.95%. Found —C, 65.09%; H, 10.90%.

Example 18 Synthesis of AEE Derivitized 1,4-Anhydroxylitol Monooleates

An oven dried, 25 mL round bottomed flask equipped with a PTFE coated magnetic stir bar was charged with 500 mg of triflated 1,4-anhydroxylitol monooleates (0.754 mmol), 166 uL 2-(2-aminoethoxy)ethanol (AEE, 1.66 mmol), and 10 mL of absolute ethanol. A reflux condenser was affixed to the neck and while vigorously stirring the mixture was heated to 50° C. overnight. After this time, TLC (neutral alumina, isocratic ethanol eluent) indicated that all of starting triflate had been consumed, manifesting a single product with an Rf=0.12. The solution was cooled to room temperature then poured directly onto a prefabricated Brockmann I activated, neutral alumina column where the AEE targets were observed to elute using an isocratic ethanol mobile phase. After drying under high vacuum for period of 7 days, 299 mg of the AEE derivitized 1,4-anhydroxylitol monooleates were retained as a beige semisolid (69% yield). Elemental analysis: Expected for C31H60N2O7 —C, 65.00%; H, 10.56%. Found —C, 64.89%; H, 10.62%.

Example 19 Synthesis of Triflated 1,4-Anhydroxylitol Dioleates

A flame dried, single neck, 10 mL round bottomed flask equipped with a PTFE coated magnetic stir bar was charged with 500 mg of 1,4-anhydroxylitol dioleates 0.754 mmol), 91 uL of pyridine (1.13 mmol), and 5 mL of anhydrous methylene chloride. The flask stoppered with a rubber septum and then immersed in a saturated brine/ice bath (˜−10° C.). While vigorously stirring, 152 uL of triflic anhydride (0.904 mmol) was added drop wise over a period of 15 min. After addition, the saline bath was removed and reaction continued overnight. The next morning a light yellow solution was observed; excess solvent and pyridine was removed under reduced pressure, and the dark yellow residue taken up in a minimum amount of chloroform, which was then charged to a prefabricated silica gel column that employed a hexanes/ethyl acetate gradient. The triflated title compounds eluted at a 8:1 hexanes/ethyl acetate proportion, furnishing 526 mg of light yellow wax after inspissation (88% yield). Elemental analysis: Expected for C42H73F3O8S2 —C, 63.45%; H, 9.25%. Found —C, 63.57%; H, 9.35%.

Example 20 Synthesis of AEEA derivitized 1,4-Anhydroxylitol Dioleates

An oven dried, 25 mL round bottomed flask equipped with a PTFE coated magnetic stir bar was charged with 500 mg of triflated 1,4-anhydroxylitol dioleates (0.629 mmol), 76 uL of 2-((2-aminoethyl)amino)ethanol (AEEA, 0.755 mmol), and 10 mL of absolute ethanol. A reflux condenser was affixed to the neck and while vigorously stirring the mixture was heated to 50° C. overnight. After this time, TLC (neutral alumina, isocratic ethanol eluent) indicated that all of the starting triflate had been consumed, manifesting a single product with an Rf=0.38. The solution was cooled to room temperature then poured directly onto a prefabricated Brockmann I activated, neutral alumina column where the AEEA targets were observed to elute using an isocratic ethanol mobile phase. After drying under high vacuum for period of 7 days, 307 mg of the AEEA derivitized 1,4-anhydroxylitol dioleates were retained as a pale yellow semisolid (71% yield). Elemental analysis: Expected for C31H62N4O5 —C, 65.22%; H, 10.95%. Found —C, 65.09%; H, 10.90%.

Example 21 Synthesis of AEE Derivitized 1,4-Anhydroxylitol Dioleates

An oven dried, 10 mL round bottomed flask equipped with a PTFE coated magnetic stir bar was charged with 500 mg of 500 mg of triflated 1,4-anhydroxylitol dioleates (0.629 mmol), 76 uL of 2-(2-aminoethoxy)ethanol (0.755 mmol), and 5 mL of absolute ethanol. A reflux condenser was affixed to the neck and while vigorously stirring the mixture was heated to 50° C. overnight. After this time, TLC (neutral alumina, isocratic ethanol eluent) indicated that all of the starting triflate had been consumed, manifesting a single product with an Rf=0.67. The solution was cooled to room temperature then poured directly onto a prefabricated Brockmann I activated, neutral alumina column where the AEE title compound was observed to elute using an isocratic ethanol mobile phase. After drying under high vacuum for period of 7 days, 634 mg of B was retained as pale yellow wax (76% yield). Elemental analysis: Expected for C28H53NO5 —C, 69.52%; H, 11.04%. Found —C, 69.49%; H, 11.02%.

Example 22 Preparation of 1,4-Anhydroxylitol Palmitates

Esters were also made using palmitic fatty acids purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (St. Louis, Mo). This reaction mixture was comprised of 85.5 g (1 mol) of palmitic acid, 13 g of enzyme, and 44.7 g xylitol. The mixture was heated to 70° C. under vacuum at 5 torr and agitated at 400 rpm. The reaction achieved 0.5% residual free fatty acid after 3 hr. A sample of mixture was taken at 3 hr and analyzed on a TLC plate. TLC plate was prepared as in example 1. TLC analysis of the reaction mixture showed that the reaction was completed with almost all palmitic acid disappeared. Mono-ester and di-esters were visible on the TLC plate with a minor amount of un-reacted xylitol also present. The reaction mixture was filtered over a Whatman #40 filter paper to remove the enzyme to recover the esters mixture.

Silica gel flash chromatography (gradient hexanes/ethyl acetate/methanol) was used for ester purification. A pre-fabricated column was charged with 18 g of the 1,4-anhydroxylitol palmitate mixture. Each component eluted at the following eluent proportions: a) 1,4-anhydroxylitol tripalmitate (2.09 g) at 4:1 hexanes/ethyl acetate; b) 1,4-anhydroxylitol dipalmitate (3.47 g) at 100% ethyl acetate; 1,4-anhydroxylitol monopalmitate (6.93 g) at 9:1 ethyl acetate/methanol.

Example 23 Synthesis of Triflated 1,4-anhydroxylitol Monopalmitates

A flame dried, single neck, 25 mL round bottomed flask equipped with a PTFE coated magnetic stir bar was charged with 500 mg of 1,4-anhydroxylitol monopalmitates (1.34 mmol), 432 uL of pyridine (5.37 mmol), and 10 mL of anhydrous methylene chloride. The flask stoppered with a rubber septum and then immersed in a saturated brine/ice bath (˜−10° C.). While vigorously stirring, 496 uL of triflic anhydride (2.95 mmol) was added drop wise over a period of 15 min. After addition, the saline bath was removed and reaction continued overnight. The next morning a light yellow solution was observed; excess solvent and pyridine was removed under reduced pressure and the dark yellow residue taken up in a minimum amount of chloroform which was then charged to a prefabricated silica gel column that employed a hexanes/ethyl acetate gradient. The triflated title compounds eluted at a 6:1 hexanes/ethyl acetate proportion furnishing 698 mg of viscous, off-white oil after inspissation (81% yield). Elemental analysis: Expected for C23H38F6O9S2 —C, 43.39%; H, 6.02%. Found —C, 43.33%; H, 6.12%.

Example 24 Synthesis of AEEA Derivitized 1,4-Anhydroxylitol Monopalmitates

An oven dried, 25 mL round bottomed flask equipped with a PTFE coated magnetic stir bar was charged with 500 mg of triflated 1,4-anhydroxylitol monopalmitates (0.785 mmol), 95 uL of 2-((2-aminoethyl)amino)ethanol (AEEA, 0.942 mmol), and 10 mL of absolute ethanol. A reflux condenser was affixed to the neck and while vigorously stirring the mixture was heated to 50° C. overnight. After this time, TLC (neutral alumina, isocratic ethanol eluent) indicated that all of the starting triflate had been consumed, manifesting a single product with an Rf=0.18. The solution was cooled to room temperature then poured directly onto a prefabricated Brockmann I activated, neutral alumina column where the AEEA targets were observed to elute using an isocratic ethanol mobile phase. After drying under high vacuum for period of 7 days, 276 mg of the AEEA derivitized monopalmitates were retained as an off-white semi solid (64% yield). Elemental analysis: Expected for C29H60N4O5 —C, 63.93%; H, 11.10%. Found —C, 63.82%; H, 11.13%.

Example 25 Synthesis of AEE Derivitized 1,4-Anhydroxylitol Monopalmitates

An oven dried, 25 mL round bottomed flask equipped with a PTFE coated magnetic stir bar was charged with 500 mg of triflated 1,4-anhydroxylitol monopalmitates (0.785 mmol), 94.5 uL of 2-(2-aminoethoxy)ethanol (AEE, 0.942 mmol), and 10 mL of absolute ethanol. A reflux condenser was affixed to the neck and while vigorously stirring the mixture was heated to 50° C. overnight. After this time, TLC (neutral alumina, isocratic ethanol eluent) indicated that all of the starting triflate had been consumed, manifesting a single product with an Rf=0.17. The solution was cooled to room temperature then poured directly onto a prefabricated Brockmann I activated, neutral alumina column where the AEE targets were observed to elute using an isocratic ethanol mobile phase. After drying under high vacuum for period of 7 days, 301 mg of the AEE derivitized monopalmitate was retained as an off-white semi solid (71% yield). Elemental analysis: Expected for C29H58N2O7 —C, 63.70%; H, 10.69%. Found —C, 63.62%; H, 10.81%.

Example 26 Synthesis of Triflated 1,4-Anhydroxylitol Dipalmitates

A flame dried, single neck, 10 mL round bottomed flask equipped with a PTFE coated magnetic stir bar was charged with 500 mg of 1,4-anhydroxylitol dipalmitates 0.818 mmol), 99 uL of pyridine (1.22 mmol), and 5 mL of anhydrous methylene chloride. The flask stoppered with a rubber septum and then immersed in a saturated brine/ice bath (˜−10° C.). While vigorously stirring, 151 uL of triflic anhydride (0.900 mmol) was added dropwise over a period of 15 min. After addition, the saline bath was removed and reaction continued overnight. The next morning a light yellow solution was observed; excess solvent and pyridine was removed under reduced pressure, and the dark yellow residue taken up in a minimum amount of chloroform which was then charged to a prefabricated silica gel column that employed a hexanes/ethyl acetate gradient. The triflated title compounds eluted at a 9:1 hexanes/ethyl acetate proportion, furnishing 539 mg of cream colored wax after inspissation (89% yield). Elemental analysis: Expected for C38H69F3O8S —C, 61.43%; H, 9.36%. Found —C, 61.55%; H, 9.43%.

Example 27 Synthesis of AEEA Derivitized 1,4-Anhydroxylitol Dipalmitates

An oven dried, 25 mL round bottomed flask equipped with a PTFE coated magnetic stir bar was charged with 500 mg of triflated 1,4-anhydroxylitol dipalmitates (0.673 mmol), 82 uL of 2-((2-aminoethyl)amino)ethanol (AEEA, 0.808 mmol), and 10 mL of absolute ethanol. A reflux condenser was affixed to the neck and while vigorously stirring the mixture was heated to 50° C. overnight. After this time, TLC (neutral alumina, isocratic ethanol eluent) indicated that all of the starting triflate had been consumed, manifesting a single product with an Rf=0.36. The solution was cooled to room temperature then poured directly onto a prefabricated Brockmann I activated, neutral alumina column where the AEEA targets were observed to elute using an isocratic ethanol mobile phase. After drying under high vacuum for period of 7 days, 303 mg of the AEEA derivitized 1,4-anhydroxylitol dipalmitates were retained as a cream colored semisolid (64% yield). Elemental analysis: Expected for C41H80N2O6 —C, 70.64%; H, 11.57%. Found —C, 70.71%; H, 11.68%.

Example 28 Synthesis of AEE Derivitized 1,4-Anhydroxylitol Dipalmitates

An oven dried, 25 mL round bottomed flask equipped with a PTFE coated magnetic stir bar was charged with 500 mg of triflated 1,4-anhydroxylitol dipalmitates (0.673 mmol), 81 uL of 2-(2-aminoethoxy)ethanol (AEE, 0.808 mmol), and 10 mL of absolute ethanol. A reflux condenser was affixed to the neck and while vigorously stirring the mixture was heated to 50° C. overnight. After this time, TLC (neutral alumina, isocratic ethanol eluent) indicated that all of the starting triflate had been consumed, manifesting a single product with an Rf=0.34. The solution was cooled to room temperature then poured directly onto a prefabricated Brockmann I activated, neutral alumina column where the AEE targets were observed to elute using an isocratic ethanol mobile phase. After drying under high vacuum for period of 7 days, 342 mg of the AEE derivitized 1,4-anhydroxylitol dipalmitates were retained as a beige semisolid (75% yield). Elemental analysis: Expected for C41H79NO7 —C, 70.54%; H, 11.41%. Found —C, 70.59%; H, 11.48%. 

1) An esterified anhydropentitol compound selected from the group consisting of:

wherein R is a carbon side chain of a fatty acid. 2) The compound of claim 1 where said carbon side chain is between 8 and 30 carbons. 3) The compound of claim 1 wherein the esterified anhydropentitol compound is selected from the group consisting of anhydroxylitol, anhydroarabitol and anhydroribitol. 4) A method of making a monoester, diester, or triester fatty acid of an anhydropentitol according to claim 1 comprising, contacting an anhydropentitol compound with a fatty acid in the presence of a lipase enzyme. 5) The method of claim 4 wherein the lipase enzyme is selected from the group consisting of Novozyme 435 (an immobilized Candida antarctica lipase B with a permanently open active site), Lipozyme RM IM (a Muchor miehei lipase immobilized with an active site covered by a moveable lid), Lipozyme TM IM (a Thermomyces lanuginosis lipase on porous silica with an active site covered by moveable lid), Lipex 100L (a Thermomyces lanuginosis mutant lipase with enhanced lipid surface absorption with an a active site covered by moveable lid and detergent stable), Palatase 20000 L (a Mucor miehei lipase with an active site covered by a moveable lid), Novozym CALB L (a Candida Articans lipase B with a permanently open active site), Lipozyme TL100 L (a Thermomyces lanuginosis lipase with an active site covered by moveable lid). 6) The method of claim 4 wherein the lipase enzyme is Candida Antarctica B lipase. 7) The method of claim 4 wherein the contacting with the lipase enzyme is done undervacuum pressure of from about 0.1 torr to about 100 torr. 8) The method of claim 4 wherein the vacuum pressure is about 5 torr. 9) The method of claim 4 wherein the temperature is from about 40° C. to about 100° C. 10) The method of claim 4 wherein the temperature is about 70° C. 11) A method of making a monoester, diester, or triester fatty acid of an anhydropentitol according to claim 1 comprising, contacting an anhydropentitol compound with a fatty acid chloride in the presence of a nucleophilic base. 12) The method of claim 11 wherein the nucleophilic base is selected from the group consisting of pyridine, dimethylaminopyridine, imidazole and pyrazole. 13) The method of claim 11 wherein the contacting of the anhydropentitol compound with a fatty acid chloride is done at a temperature of from about 0° C. to about 50° C. 14) The method of claim 11 wherein the contacting of the anhydropentitol compound with a fatty acid chloride is done at a temperature of about 25° C. 